On April 30, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 92 recognizing the importance of safe and clean drinking water by declaring May 5 through the 11 Drinking Water Week in Pennsylvania.
The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
The week coincides with National Drinking Water Week, which celebrates the contributions of public water supply operators in providing safe drinking water for the nation’s residents.
In Pennsylvania, there are more than 9,200 public water supply systems providing drinking water to eight out of 10 state residents.
“This year marks the 45th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act that forms the core of national efforts to provide quality drinking water and protect the health of our citizens,” said Sen. Yaw. “During the week of May 5th through the 11th, we recognize the importance of water source protection and conservation, as well as the value, importance, and fragility of Pennsylvania’s water resources.”
Sen. Yaw noted the tasks facing state drinking water programs and public water systems continue to be extremely challenging.
“The drinking water infrastructure in many areas of our state is aging and presents daunting resource demands. As a state and nation, we continue to be challenged by new and emerging drinking water contaminants,” he explained.
“Today, Pennsylvania renews its commitment to build on the successes of past years and will continue to work with all of our partners in the water community to fully realize the public health goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act through celebrating “Drinking Water Week,” Sen. Yaw added.
Pennsylvanians can conserve water by following a few simple actions both inside and outside the home:
-- Check for leaks in toilets and pipes.
-- Run full loads in clothing and dishwashing machines.
-- Replace old shower heads with high-efficiency models.
-- Mulch bushes and trees to retain moisture.
-- Check for hose and nozzle leaks.
-- Water early or late when temperatures are low to reduce evaporation.
-- Recycle rainwater with barrels and buckets for watering plants.
-- Plant water and drought-tolerant plants to reduce the need to water.
The House passed a similar resolution-- House Resolution 271-- sponsored by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
The House passed a similar resolution-- House Resolution 271-- sponsored by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Visit DEP’s Public Drinking Water webpage to learn more about public and community water supplies regulated by DEP.
Visit DEP’s Private Water Wells webpage and Penn State Extension Private Water System webpage to learn more about how to protect the quality of water coming from your drinking water well.
Over 30 years of research by Penn State University has found between 40 and 50 percent of private water wells do not meet one or more drinking water standards. Click Here for more.
Pennsylvania is one of 2 states which does not set construction standards for private drinking water wells.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-787-3280 or sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov.
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